Although City have lost eight games since the turn of the year, dropping to fourth in the Premier League in the process, Mourinho admits he cannot understand why Pellegrini’s future is in doubt and why the club have been so harshly attacked by the press.

City won the league last season, making it two titles in three years at the Etihad Stadium, which Mourinho argues is a great achievement and not one that can be repeated every single season, with the Premier League a competitive tournament with a number of big teams who can go on to win the trophy every year.

The Portuguese coach admitted that City would not be retaining their title, but has ridiculed claims that the former Real Madrid and Malaga head coach needs to go.